Axial Fan And Centrifugal Fans
Axial and centrifugal fan are the two most common types of fans. The manufacturers of axial flow fans and centrifugal fan blowers are vast in numbers. The design parameters of axial fans vary from that of centrifugal fans. Moreover, the usage of both axial and centrifugal fans is different. However, the customers often get in confusion while choosing between axial fan and centrifugal fan.
To clear up this confusion, we have briefly explained axial and centrifugal fans below. The explanation will cover the design mechanism of axial fan and centrifugal fan. Based on their design, both of them have different applications. To select between an axial fan and a centrifugal fan, we must first understand their specifications. Moreover, we need to know the applications of both axial fans and centrifugal fans.
What are the Differences between Axial Fan and Centrifugal Fan?
The following table illustrates critical differences between axial flow cooling fan and centrifugal fan blower.
Fan type | Axial Fan | Centrifugal Fan |
Origin | 18th century, The design and idea of the axial fan are from the windmills. | In 1832, an engineer of the Russian military invented a centrifugal fan |
Airflow Direction | It has axial intake and outtake of air, the direction air intake and outlet are the same | The airflow at the outlet is different in direction by 900 from the inlet direction. |
Blade numbers | It normally has 5 to 9 blades. | It has a series of blades on the impeller, greater than axial fans |
Blade movement | The blades move around the axis, which is at the center of the fan. | the direction of blades is of three types:-
Ø Radial Blades Ø Forward-curved Blades Ø Back-curved Blades |
Power consumption | The power requirement is less. | Centrifugal fan requires high power to operate. |
Pressure | The output air is of low pressure | The output air is of high pressure. |
Airflow | It generates high volume of airflow | The volume of air is lower but steady. |
Typical Applications | computer cooling, data center ventilation, electronic products cooling | Purifiers, humidifier, printer, medical equipment, etc. |
Axial Fans
The axial fan is a discovery of the 18th century. The design and idea of the axial fan are from the windmills. The axial fan got its name because of the direction of the air. The blades move around the axis, which is at the center of the fan. Moreover, the direction air intake and outlet are the same. The axial fan intakes air in a direction parallel to the axis. Furthermore, the air outlet is also parallel to the axis.
The air moves parallel to the shaft. The blades rotate due to this incoming air. That creates a pressure difference in the fan. The air then moves out of the outlet axially. The outward air is of low pressure. Moreover, it is not in a specific direction. However, airflow volume from the outlet is very high.
Axial fans provide low-pressure air. Moreover, the air volume of axial fans is very high. The axial fans have a high flow rate. A higher flow rate is with low pressure. The axial fan creates a pressure difference. This pressure difference generates a high volume of airflow.
Furthermore, the axial fans require low input power at the initial stage. The power requirement of the axial fan is lower as compared to the centrifugal fan.
Centrifugal Fan
In 1832, an engineer of the Russian military invented a centrifugal fan. The name centrifugal signifies the use of centrifugal force in a centrifugal fan design. The other common names of the centrifugal fan are “Blower” and “Radial Fan.” The direction is different at the inlet and outlet of the centrifugal fan. The difference in the direction of air at the outlet is by 900. Moreover, the centrifugal fan has a greater number of blades than that of an axial fan.
The airflow of the centrifugal fan is generally radial. The outflow of the centrifugal fan is through a series of ducts. This outlet through ducts increases the air pressure. The air pressure of a centrifugal fan is higher than that of an axial fan. The main structure of the centrifugal fan is in duct casing. The main component of the centrifugal fan is its impeller.
The outer boundary of the impeller contains the blades of a centrifugal fan. The orientation of blades varies the power of a centrifugal fan. Moreover, the direction of blades is of three types:-
- Radial Blades
- Forward-curved Blades
- Back-curved Blades
The centrifugal fan intakes air and directs it to the impeller. The impeller moves it to 900. Furthermore, with the assistance of centrifugal force, the air flows over the blades. Finally, the centrifugal force pushes the air out of the fan. The outlet of the centrifugal fan is generally a compressed area. Therefore, it gives air in a specific direction.
Centrifugal fans require high power to operate as compared to the axial fan. The initial power requirement is higher than the axial fan. Moreover, the air outflow of a centrifugal fan is lesser than that of an axial fan. However, the centrifugal fan provides a steady airflow.
Applications of Axial and Centrifugal Fans
Axial and centrifugal fans have different design mechanisms. Therefore, the applications of both of these fans are also different. Let us discuss the applications of axial fans and centrifugal fans one-by-one.
Axial Fan
The axial fan has low air pressure and high air volume. Therefore, it is quite suitable for general purposes. Workspaces cooling and computer hardware cooling are the critical applications of the axial fan. The axial fans are energy efficient. The axial fan does not take more than 100 watts at maximum capacity.
The use of vending machines is increasing day by day. Technological advancement has increased the usage of vending machines. However, the vending machines generate a lot of heat. The heat in these systems causes performance depreciation. The axial fans are best suitable for removing this heat.
Centrifugal Fan
Centrifugal fans provide high-power air. However, the airflow volume is less as compared to the axial fans. That makes it perfectly suitable for air conditioning systems and drying purposes. Moreover, the overloading capacity of the centrifugal fan makes it enable to resist overloading.
Is Axial Fan or Centrifugal Fan Better?
Both the axial and centrifugal fans have their specific purpose. The axial fan is mostly for open ventilation. The centrifugal fan is for confined products. However, both have an efficiency greater than 80%. Hence, you can select depending upon your requirement.
Conclusion
The axial and centrifugal fans are an essential part of a cooling system. The design is different for both axial and centrifugal fans. Moreover, they have their unique functions. The selection from both of these depends on their specifications. Therefore, both are favorable, but your usage will decide the better out of the axial and centrifugal fan. Centrifugal fan is suitable for air conditioning systems. However, the axial fan finds its applications in the computer system and vending machines cooling.
If you are looking for an experienced manufacturer who customize axial and centrifugal fans for your project, you are more than welcome to contact us.